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Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

GEORGE MUTAFYAN, MD

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Glendale, California

Dr. Mutafyan is skilled in state-of-the-art laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy techniques aimed at helping men and women from Glendale, CA, and throughout the Los Angeles metro region lose substantial amounts of weight so they feel healthier and more confident.

What is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is an approach to weight-loss surgery that removes about 80 to 85 percent of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped portion behind to serve as the actual stomach. Because this sleeve, which is roughly the shape of a banana, restricts the amount of food you can eat as well as how many calories that can be absorbed, the sleeve gastrectomy procedure typically results in substantial weight loss.

How is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed?

Gastric sleeve surgery is performed using a special instrument called a laparoscope which is designed to be used through small incisions, avoiding the need for large abdominal incisions as well as the risks that go along with them. During the surgery, the upper “sleeve” portion of the stomach is divided from the lower portion, leaving the tube-shaped sleeve to serve as the stomach. Gastric sleeve procedures take about an hour and a half to perform and use from three to five small incisions. The surgery may be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis, and it does not affect the junctions, or sphincters, between the stomach and the esophagus or lower intestine.

Does laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have side effects?

Because sleeve gastrectomy removes a sizable portion of your stomach, you may need to take nutritional supplements afterward to ensure you're getting adequate nutrition. You may also have an increased risk for heartburn or nausea as you adjust to the smaller portion sizes. Before undergoing your procedure, you'll receive in-depth guidance regarding dietary changes you'll need to make in order to accommodate your new stomach size.

Is sleeve gastrectomy right for me?

This procedure could be a good option if you have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 40 or a BMI between 35 and 40 in addition to an obesity-related condition like high blood pressure or type II diabetes. You should also be in good general health.